Catalent gains global rights to evaluate certepetide for ADC payloads

BASKING RIDGE, N.J./TAMPA, Fla. - Catalent, Inc. has secured worldwide non-exclusive rights to evaluate Lisata Therapeutics’ (NASDAQ:LSTA) certepetide and its analogs for use as payloads in antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), according to a press release issued Wednesday. According to InvestingPro data, Lisata, currently trading at $2.47, maintains a strong financial position with more cash than debt on its balance sheet, though analysts note the company is quickly burning through its resources.

The global product license agreement allows Catalent to incorporate the proprietary peptide into ADCs developed using its SMARTag technology platform, with the ability to partner with third parties.

Under the terms of the agreement, Lisata is eligible to receive over $10 million in tiered study initiation milestone payments plus revenue sharing on future sales and partnerships.

Certepetide, an internalizing RGD cyclic peptide, is being tested as a cancer therapeutic to enhance tumor targeting and penetration when used with other anti-cancer agents.

"It underscores our mutual belief in certepetide’s broad potential and is another significant step forward in Lisata’s mission to bring transformative therapies to patients," said Kristen K. Buck, Executive Vice President of Research and Development and Chief Medical Officer of Lisata.

Penelope Drake, Head of R&D, Bioconjugates at Catalent, noted that early data suggest incorporating iRGD peptides into ADCs improves efficacy and pharmacokinetics.

Preclinical work supporting the incorporation of iRGD peptides into the SMARTag ADC platform will be presented at the World ADC conference in San Diego this November. The company’s stock has shown remarkable momentum, with InvestingPro data revealing a 27.65% price return over the past six months, despite broader market challenges. Investors seeking deeper insights can access comprehensive analysis and 8 additional ProTips through InvestingPro’s detailed research reports.

Certepetide has received Fast Track designation and Orphan Drug Designation for pancreatic cancer in the U.S. and EU, as well as Orphan Drug Designation for glioma and osteosarcoma in the U.S. With a market capitalization of $21.63 million and a current ratio of 5.77, InvestingPro analysis indicates the company’s liquid assets significantly exceed its short-term obligations, providing financial flexibility to advance its clinical programs.

In other recent news, Lisata Therapeutics reported its second-quarter earnings, delivering a notable performance by surpassing earnings per share (EPS) expectations. The company achieved an EPS of -$0.54, which outperformed both the analyst estimate of -$0.66 and the consensus forecast of -$0.65. Lisata’s revenue for the quarter was $70,000, stemming from a research license agreement with Catalent Inc. The company’s financial position remains robust, with approximately $22 million in cash, which management anticipates will support ongoing and proposed trials through the fourth quarter of 2026. Additionally, H.C. Wainwright has maintained a Buy rating on Lisata Therapeutics, setting a price target of $15.00, reflecting confidence in the company’s pipeline progress. These developments come amid a complex investor sentiment influenced by broader market conditions.

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